Coach confident on drugs

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Martin Johnson is confident England will avoid the kind of drugs scandal that has hit South Africa because of the Rugby Football Union's diligent anti-doping programme.

Springboks Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle were sent home from the tour after testing positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine after South Africa's victory over Ireland.

As a direct consequence, UK Sport tested six South Africa players following their defeat to Scotland on Saturday night instead of the usual two.

The Springboks have stopped the use of all supplements and are trying to investigate the source of the positive tests, with team doctor Craig Roberts describing the whole area as 'a minefield'.

Methylhexaneamine was originally intended to be used as a nasal decongestant but in recent times it has found its way into dietary supplements. It normally stays in the body for 24 hours.

Johnson admitted he was surprised rugby has not been hit by more incidents like this because of the dangers of contamination - but he is confident England's set-up is watertight.

"We haven't changed anything about what we do because we are careful anyway," said Johnson.

"You have got to be very careful. Tiny amounts of substance can get detected nowadays and suddenly you fail a drugs test. It is very easy for that to happen.

"Even when I was playing, way back in the distant past, there was fear of cross-contimination. It is amazing there isn't more.

"We had the testers in last week. There has been a lot of testing going on and I am very happy that what we have got in place with our guys is thorough. It has to be."

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